In a statement, Air Liquide said it signed with the steelmaker to supply gaseous oxygen, nitrogen and argon to the facility. To support the long-term agreement, the company will install an air separation unit on its Gulf Coast pipeline network in Ingleside, Texas, and extend gas pipelines to the mill.

“Air Liquide is proud to support the growth of Steel Dynamics Inc. and to collaborate on this project, which will strengthen the U.S. steel industry through the establishment of the largest steel mill in Texas,” said Air Liquide executive vice president Michael J. Graff. 

“The investment in this air separation unit and pipeline infrastructure will further enhance Air Liquide’s network capabilities and leadership position in the Gulf Coast, allowing us to meet the growing industrial gas demands of our customers in the region — safely, sustainably and reliably,” he added. 

The new unit will have the capacity to produce more than 770 tons per day of oxygen, as well as nitrogen and argon to supply SDI's mill, which will turn out 3 million tons of steel annually.   

Air Liquide said it also will add roughly 30 miles of pipeline to link the mill to its Gulf Coast pipeline system, strengthening Air Liquide’s position in the U.S. Gulf Coast and in the growing industrial basin of Corpus Christi, Texas, USA.